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Meet The Researchershaped
Meet The Researchershaped
The reason I chose this topic and research question is that, as a high school student, and specifically a female high school student, I have observed a growing trend among male students toward desensitization to issues of sexism and misogyny. Elections often reflect and amplify societal attitudes, and the rhetoric leading up to and following the 2024 election may have shaped young men’s perceptions of gender issues. By focusing on men aged 18 to 20, I aim to investigate whether this desensitization observed in high school extends to those slightly older, who may have recently transitioned into adulthood during a politically and socially turbulent period.
Aleksandra Shuty
Contact Me: shutyale000@gmail.com
AP Capstone Diploma Candidate, Class of 2025
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
The 2024 election, with its contentious rhetoric and societal polarization, may have influenced misogynistic attitudes, especially among men aged 18 to 20 in Washington, a group at a formative stage of adulthood.
Research Question
Research Question
Did the lead up and results of the 2024 election cause a wave of desensitization to sexism and misogyny towards women in men 18 to 20 years old living in Washington?
Important Sources
Important Sources
Citation: Johnson, A. G. (2022). The gendered nature of political rhetoric: A study of sexism in the 2024 election. Gender & Society, 36(4), 477-495. https://doi.org/10.1177/08912432221134357
Citation: Taylor, C., & Miller, J. (2022). Sexism and political discourse: How election rhetoric shapes young men's perceptions of gender inequality. Politics & Gender, 18(3), 317-335. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1743923X22000145
Citation: Bailey, J., & Malcom, L. (2024). The rise of social media misogyny: Understanding young men's attitudes toward gender issues in politics. Journal of Social Media Studies, 12(2), 85-101. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsms/12.2.85
Citation: de Beauvoir, S. (1956). The second sex (C. Borde & S. Malovany-Chevallier, Trans.). Jonathan Cape. (Original work published 1956)
Citation: Friedman, E. J., & McGraw, K. M. (2023). Gender bias in electoral politics: How the 2024 election perpetuates sexist stereotypes. American Politics Research, 51(1), 52-75. https://doi.org/10.1177/1532673X23107357
Citation: University of Chicago Press. (2024). Understanding misogyny: A historical and political analysis. Retrieved from https://press.uchicago.edu
Citation: Taylor, C., & Miller, J. (2022). Sexism and political discourse: How election rhetoric shapes young men's perceptions of gender inequality. Politics & Gender, 18(3), 317-335. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1743923X22000145
Citation: Bailey, J., & Malcom, L. (2024). The rise of social media misogyny: Understanding young men's attitudes toward gender issues in politics. Journal of Social Media Studies, 12(2), 85-101. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsms/12.2.85
Citation: de Beauvoir, S. (1956). The second sex (C. Borde & S. Malovany-Chevallier, Trans.). Jonathan Cape. (Original work published 1956)
Citation: Friedman, E. J., & McGraw, K. M. (2023). Gender bias in electoral politics: How the 2024 election perpetuates sexist stereotypes. American Politics Research, 51(1), 52-75. https://doi.org/10.1177/1532673X23107357
Citation: University of Chicago Press. (2024). Understanding misogyny: A historical and political analysis. Retrieved from https://press.uchicago.edu
Significance
Significance
This research is significant because it explores how political events, like the 2024 election, may shape the attitudes of young men toward sexism and misogyny. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing the long-term impact of political discourse on gender equality. By focusing on men aged 18 to 20 in Washington, the study highlights a key developmental stage where attitudes toward gender issues are forming. The findings could inform strategies for combating sexism, promoting feminist values, and fostering greater awareness of gender equality in schools, communities, and beyond. Additionally, it contributes to the broader conversation about how politics and social issues intersect with everyday behaviors, particularly among youth.
Definitions
Definitions
Misogyny: Hatred, dislike, or prejudice against women.
Feminism: The advocacy of women's rights on the basis of equality of the sexes.
Sexism: Discrimination or prejudice based on a person's gender, often against women.
Election: A formal process where individuals vote to choose representatives or decide on issues.
Survey: A method of collecting data or opinions from a group of people, often through questionnaires.
Gender: Social and cultural roles, behaviors, and attributes considered appropriate for men, women, and other identities.
Method
Method
Survey/Questionnaire:
A survey will be designed to measure the attitudes of men aged 18 to 20 in Washington regarding sexism and misogyny.
Literature Review:
A review of existing research will help contextualize the findings by exploring studies on the impact of political rhetoric on gender attitudes, especially in young adults.
Data Analysis:
Quantitative data from surveys will be analyzed using statistical methods to identify trends and patterns in attitudes before and after the 2024 election.
Hypothesis & Assumptions
Hypothesis & Assumptions
-The 2024 election involved rhetoric or events that could influence attitudes toward sexism and misogyny.
-Men aged 18 to 20 in Washington were exposed to and influenced by the political and social discourse surrounding the election.
-Desensitization to sexism and misogyny can be observed through changes in attitudes, behaviors, or self-reported perspectives.
-Survey data or other research methods will accurately capture shifts in perceptions among the target demographic.
Results & Analysis
Results & Analysis
"How strongly do you agree with the following statement: 'The political discourse during the 2024 election normalized or excused sexist behavior or language.'"
"How strongly do you agree with the following statement: 'The political discourse during the 2024 election normalized or excused sexist behavior or language.'"
To analyze whether the 2024 election caused a wave of desensitization to sexism and misogyny in men aged 18 to 20 in Washington, I applied the Central Limit Theorem (CLT) to one of the key survey questions.
I focused on the statement:"The political discourse during the 2024 election normalized or excused sexist behavior or language."
Respondents answered using a Likert scale from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). Here’s how the responses broke down:
7 selected “Strongly Disagree” (1)
5 selected “Disagree” (2)
2 selected “Neutral” (3)
10 selected “Agree” (4)
7 selected “Strongly Agree” (5)
Explanation
Explanation
Ultimately, I ended up not getting enough survey results to meet the central limit theorem, however
Using this data, I calculated the sample meanthe average response was 3.92, just below “Strongly Agree.” This suggests that, on average, participants leaned toward believing that the 2024 election did normalize sexist behavior.
To estimate the variability, I used a standard deviation of approximately 1.41, based on the spread of responses. With a sample size of 25, I calculated the standard error: 0.282Using the CLT, I constructed a 95% confidence interval for the population meanThis would mean I’m 95% confident that the true average perception in the population lies between 3.37 and 4.47. Since this interval is clearly above “Neutral,” it supports the idea that many young men recognized sexism in political discourse during the election.
However, another question revealed that 76% of respondents said their views on gender equality did not change because of the election. This discrepancy suggests a possible desensitization: even though these young men noticed sexist rhetoric, most were not personally affected or motivated to reconsider their stance.
Using the Central Limit Theorem helped me generalize from my sample and conclude that while awareness of sexism was present, I did not have enough participants to have quantifiable data
Using this data, I calculated the sample meanthe average response was 3.92, just below “Strongly Agree.” This suggests that, on average, participants leaned toward believing that the 2024 election did normalize sexist behavior.
To estimate the variability, I used a standard deviation of approximately 1.41, based on the spread of responses. With a sample size of 25, I calculated the standard error: 0.282Using the CLT, I constructed a 95% confidence interval for the population meanThis would mean I’m 95% confident that the true average perception in the population lies between 3.37 and 4.47. Since this interval is clearly above “Neutral,” it supports the idea that many young men recognized sexism in political discourse during the election.
However, another question revealed that 76% of respondents said their views on gender equality did not change because of the election. This discrepancy suggests a possible desensitization: even though these young men noticed sexist rhetoric, most were not personally affected or motivated to reconsider their stance.
Using the Central Limit Theorem helped me generalize from my sample and conclude that while awareness of sexism was present, I did not have enough participants to have quantifiable data
Conclusion
Conclusion
This research explored whether the 2024 election contributed to a desensitization to sexism and misogyny among young men in Washington. Survey results showed that while i did not gather enough data, many recognized sexist rhetoric in political discourse, most reported no change in their personal views, which suggests a normalization of these harmful attitudes.
This research explored whether the 2024 election contributed to a desensitization to sexism and misogyny among young men in Washington. Survey results showed that while i did not gather enough data, many recognized sexist rhetoric in political discourse, most reported no change in their personal views, which suggests a normalization of these harmful attitudes.
Using the Central Limit Theorem, I found that the average response leaned toward agreement that sexism was present, but the lack of personal impact points to emotional detachment. This highlights how political and digital environments may be shaping young men’s beliefs in subtle but significant ways, and the future, I hope that there is a more in-depth study done
Using the Central Limit Theorem, I found that the average response leaned toward agreement that sexism was present, but the lack of personal impact points to emotional detachment. This highlights how political and digital environments may be shaping young men’s beliefs in subtle but significant ways, and the future, I hope that there is a more in-depth study done
Understanding this shift is essential for creating more inclusive education, political dialogue, and future policies around gender equality.
Understanding this shift is essential for creating more inclusive education, political dialogue, and future policies around gender equality.
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